Malorie Blackman, a British Writer once said, “you can have all the talent in the world, but without determination, you won’t get very far…”
… That is exactly what T.V Shows like America’s Got Talent, The X-Factor and The Voice search and look for: talent and determination. These two concepts and ideas go hand-in-hand.
Thus, in order to succeed, you must show signs of both.
With that being said, here are my 5 Favorite Audition Tapes, from various competitive shows, in which an aspiring artists shows signs of both: talent and determination.
5. America’s Got Talent 2013 - Special Head:
I’ll admit it --- When I first watched Special Head’s Audition Tape .. I was quite creeped out. I thought to myself, “there is no way this man is getting through this first round.” However, when he managed to pull off this special trick, I was shocked and amazed. It was clear to me that Special Head was an incredibly talented individual who worked hard and had a determination to succeed. As the saying goes, “never judge a book by its cover…”
4. X Factor UK 2015 - Josh Daniel:
There are very few auditions out there that have brought tears to my eyes, but this one - this one did. Singing this song as a tribute to his friend, who had unfortunately passed away, Josh Daniel put on an amazing performance - one that even made Simon Cowell emotional and speechless. Josh Daniel’s ability to sing each and every word of this song with such an emotion clearly conveyed his talent to the audition and the judges. It also clearly conveyed his determination to make this friend, who is watching over him in heaven, proud.
3. The Voice 2017 - Dave Crosby:
Sometimes, in life, we are often pressured to let go of our dreams in order to provide a better, more happier life for those around us. That is exactly what happened to Dave Crosby, who had to give up his dream of singing in order to provide a better life for this then-newborn baby girl. Luckily, Dave Crosby was able to use his talent of singing to bond with his daughter, which only helped him realize that singing is, in fact, what he truly loved (and loves) to do. Crosby’s audition clearly portrays his talent and determination to not only make something of himself, but to also provide the best life for his family whilst doing what he loves.
2. The Voice 2014 - Christina Grimmie:
From the very first moment that Christina Grimmie sung the first note of Wrecking Ball, it was evident that she was incredibly talented. (After all, three of the four judges did click their buttons within the first twenty-thirty seconds of her audition!) Grimmie’s determination to succeed is evident throughout her entire music career, which first began on YouTube. There is no doubt in my mind that, had she not met a violent end, her strong, talented voice would be making its way all across the charts and Billboards.
1. America’s Got Talent 2017 - Mandy Harvey:
If there is anyone that ever tells you that what they desire to do is “impossible” then all you have to do is show them Mandy Harvey’s Audition Tape. Despite being deaf, which one would claim to be a “setback,” Mandy Harvey made the impossible - well, possible. Her determination to do what she loves to do, whilst being incredibly good at it, shows everyone that no matter what, anything in life is achievable. As the saying goes, “you won’t know unless you try!”
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Succeeding isn’t all about the looks. It is about talent - determination - hard-work. You have to want it. Desire it. Work for it. Strive for it. It is only then that you will begin to see success coming towards you.
